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News Article

Kaiserslautern Earns Little League World Series Berth

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss Special to American Forces Press Service

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany, Aug. 21, 2009  The Kaiserslautern Military Community American Little League all-star team begins its quest for the Little League World Series title today in Williamsport, Pa.

The team earned the right to represent Europe in the tournament by beating Ukraine 10-0 in the European title game Aug. 11 in Kutno, Poland.

It’s the first time since 1999, when a team from here represented Europe, that a Defense Department team has made it to Williamsport where the series is played every year.

The Kaiserslautern team is competing in the tournament’s international bracket. That bracket’s winner will play the United States bracket winner for the Little League World Series championship Aug. 30.

"These kids are on Cloud 9 right now,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Daubert, father of center fielder Tylour Daubert, after the European championship game. “I don't think they really know or fully understand what it is they've just accomplished, but I'm sure it will sink in soon."

The Kaiserslautern all-stars will play China at 3 p.m. EDT today -- 9 p.m. Central European Time. The game will be telecast nationally on ESPN, as well as on American Forces Network’s Family Channel.

"As a parent, I'm just so proud of my son and the rest of the team," Daubert said. "It really doesn't matter what happens from here on out. [It will be] a once-in-a-lifetime experience they will never forget. They have made us all extremely proud."